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Playing one of Paul's personal guitars

I like the number 777, so thought I should try to post something special for it. I hope this qualifies.

I know a few people have had a chance to touch and feel one of Paul Smith's personal guitars. He certainly doesn't mind sharing. I'd like to hear about those experiences. As always, pictures make it better. Last April I got a chance to play the violin prototype. The short version of the story is that I didn't want to let it go: beautiful acoustic tone, breath taking top, silky neck and the electronics had the best balance I've ever encountered. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

Paul is very generous sharing his guitars. If you ever get invited to try one, do not hesitate because it is guaranteed to be a great experience. Don't be shy. I'll leave it to you whether or not you are willing to let him throw it to you - there are good odds he will offer to.

Later that night, I was talking to Paul at the bar, he had the guitar back in it's gig bag. He asked me to hold it while he went to the bathroom. He didn't return for almost an hour. I was afraid to go anywhere!!!

And lest anyone asks, no, he wasn't in the can all that time. He was meeting and greeting everyone there when he came out...

My story is a little different. Paul has never tossed me one. He has signed a few back plates for me, but that isn't so unusual.

My short story is, I own one that Paul used to take on sales calls. So I can say I play one of Pauls guitars all the time. It's a great player, but isn't the ME1 he usually played before somebody invented "Pauls Guitar". 2007 amberburst quilt Cu22 with BRW neck. It didn't have a MODCAT when I bought it used so I emailed PRS and asked why. They said it was made for Paul to take on sales calls so it didn't get a MODCAT.

I was going to ask about that... Looks like years worth of playing with the thumb at the second fret!

Was there an accident or is it some figuring?

Neither. Paul can make a guitar for himself, or an artist, that would be deemed flawed for production. At the risk of speaking for Paul, I think you would find he selects wood purely for how it will do its job on a guitar and is willing to ignore cosmetic 'flaws'. There are a couple of small spots on this exceptional neck that got a bit of fill so keep it smooth.

I got to noodle around with Paul's guitar while he gave a clinic with Tony McManus last year in August. Had sort of a violion/amber finish, with a hint of charcoal or something. Didn't get to plug it in so I couldnt test it out with an amp. 408 pickups, with a slight satin/semi-gloss finish to it. Felt amazing from my limited time with it. The finish made the neck real smooth and nice. Unfortunately, no pictures .

Neither. Paul can make a guitar for himself, or an artist, that would be deemed flawed for production. At the risk of speaking for Paul, I think you would find he selects wood purely for how it will do its job on a guitar and is willing to ignore cosmetic 'flaws'. There are a couple of small spots on this exceptional neck that got a bit of fill so keep it smooth.

At one of the many visits he made to local guitar shops a few years ago, he passed around one of his guitars, and on the side of the neck, if I remember correctly, there were actually filled "worm holes"...???, but strumming acoustically, it rang forever...